SIOUX CITY, IOWA [BOX SCORE | BRACKET] – In the 2026 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship Quarterfinals, the Dordt (Iowa) Defenders defeated the Saint Francis (Ind.) Cougars 83–62.
The Cougars came out sharp in the opening frame, taking a 20–17 lead, fueled by early shot-making and getting to the line. The Defenders responded immediately in the second, flipping the game with a 24-point quarter to lead 41–31 at halftime. Dordt delivered its biggest punch, 28 points in the third period, stretching the margin to 69–46 heading to the final frame, where the Defenders closed out the 21-point victory.
Gracie Schoonhoven led the scoring column for the Defenders with 33 points on 12-of-21 shooting, adding five rebounds and three blocks. Macy Sievers orchestrated the offense with a standout all-around line, 20 points, 15 rebounds, and 14 assists for a triple-double in the victory. Sievers also broke the NAIA Career Assist Record, currently sitting at 1061 assists in her career and counting. Willow Bleeker chipped in 12 points, on efficient shooting 4-of-6 from the floor, while adding seven rebounds and three steals.
For Saint Francis, Isabella Gizzi led with 15 points, along with two assists and two steals. Cali Gregory followed, scoring 12 points and hitting two from deep, while Taylor Fordyce added 11. Renna Schwieterman also contributed 10 points and five rebounds.
The Defenders out-rebounded the Cougars 41–20 and outshot them from the floor, 47.5% to Saint Francis’ 36.5%.
With the loss, Saint Francis is eliminated from tournament play, finishing the season at 30-5.
Dordt, with the victory, will play in the semifinals for the fourth time in the last five years. The Defenders will play on Monday, March 23, taking on Dakota State (S.D.) at 6 p.m. CT.
